Disability Discrimination Lawsuit Settled by Dallas Company

A Dallas refrigerated transport company will pay $50,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit brought by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on behalf of a paraplegic man who applied for two management positions at the company.

According to the lawsuit, Stevens Transport refused to hire Andrew Scott once the company learned of his disability.  Scott became a paraplegic after a car crash in 2003.

Scott, who has a degree in economics and an M.B.A., posted his resume on a job-search site.  After Stevens Transport contacted him, he completed a successful telephone interview.  Upon coming in for an in-person interview, the company learned that he was disabled.  According to the lawsuit, company management said they were concerned that Scott would not be able to keep up with the pace of the work, and he was ultimately not hired for either position.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers are generally prohibited from refusing to hire an otherwise qualified applicant because of a disability.

The EEOC claimed that the company was in violation of the Act.  After attempting to reach a voluntary settlement, the lawsuit was filed in federal court.  EEOC officials said that the action by Stevens Transport violated the law and was unjust for the individual discriminated against.  The EEOC suggested that such discrimination is actually damaging to the company as well since it excludes qualified applicants.

Gregory D. Jordan is an Austin employment attorney, Austin employment lawyer, Austin wrongful termination lawyer, Austin discrimination attorney and Austin business attorney.  To learn more, visit https://www.theaustintriallawyer.com.